Wednesday 25 November 2009

Heading south



To our nephew's wedding in Hampshire.  Staying with my sister-in law and her husband near Oxford for a few days then we all travel down to the celebration together.  I am so looking forward to seeing everyone again.  Back next week hopefully with a full camera.  

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Bramble Pie


After reading a story about a woodland picnic with his Dad today, James asked if we could have bramble pie.  He was rather impressed with the illustration in the book.  Luckily I had a small tub of brambles, (or blackberries) stashed in the freezer from a foraging trip in September.  I eked them out with some wonderful locally grown organic pears  and was very happy with the result.  So was James - he had 3 slices!  Local, organic and the brambles were free - how bad can that be?

Monday 23 November 2009

Bringing the garden in



Faded hydrangea blooms to dry for a Christmas wreath - burgundy dogwood stems for our winter table display and a few leaves to press and use for printing cards and wrapping paper.

Sunday 22 November 2009

Today's flowers - birthday rose

A gorgeous orange rose from the birthday bouquet I received from my elder son yesterday.
See more beautiful flowers of the world at Today's Flowers.


Sunday 15 November 2009

Today's flowers - winter pansy


Winter pansy (Halloween) looks down from my hanging basket.
See flowers of all seasons at Today's Flowers.

 

Thursday 12 November 2009

More frosting

We had more frost at the beginning of the week.  Monday morning I think this was - it's been a busy few days. A fine dusting of silver on the plot.


I love the details that are picked out by frost.  It just seems to add another dimension to this  fallen leaf.


Or some fine lace edging to this Pentland Brig kale.



Black Tuscan kale gets a more pearly makeover



And the leeks go for the full diamonte effect.


Even the humble pineapple weed shows her delicate filigree off  with a touch of frost.

Thursday 5 November 2009

Time for leeks again.


Some of the leeks have been looking a decent eating size for a week or two now, so today we dug a couple up for dinner.


The thing I love about growing my own is the indescribable freshness. These babies were so crisp and juicy. With homegrown leeks you can use every bit of the leaf - right to the end.



James makes sure they are nice and clean.


And straight into the pot to make a wonderful risotto with rosemary and butternut squash.

Wednesday 4 November 2009

November notes


Any quote or poem that mentions November usually includes the words damp, dismal, foggy, or dull. Well, I suppose given the last few days they may have a point. Emily Dickinson, whose poems I have never seemed to take to, despite thinking that I should, describes November as "the Norway of the year". Has the Eurovision Song Contest been going that long? I have never been to Norway, but I would like to, and I imagine it is a fine place during this month of Remembrance, Thanksgiving and my birthday.
So - instead of a trip to Scandinavia, I offer you a trip around my garden on this bright(ish) November afternoon.
Above is my front door, complete with my new planters. I also bought a couple of juniper trees to put in them, with a vague image of a Country Living magazine cover in mind. In a year or two - decorated with homespun twiggy stars, dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks maybe?


We are lucky to have a large conservatory which looks right out onto the fruit trees. It's a great space, and we always feel in part of the garden. I bought some new bird feeders and a nice selection of seeds, nuts and fat balls for the coming winter. The window feeder was a great success last year, and much time is spent sitting watching the birds going about their business.



A shy violet primrose peeks out from under the plum tree. What an uplifting sight!



Some pea shoots - escapees from the summer harvest, poking up in the new garlic bed.



A robin in a pear tree.


This is my bean trench for next year. Kitchen waste goes in, some soil goes on top and big fat beans will come out in the summer. Simple!




Glorious orange calendula. I always grow this, and intend to harvest the petals to make an infused oil. Somehow, though, I can never bring myself to pick them - I love to see their cheering colour when I walk down the garden.



My intended asparagus bed. Definitely a work in progress as you will note. All weeds will be eliminated and kept out by a weed suppressing membrane. Seaweed has been collected and will be dug in to the bed ready for the crowns to be planted in early spring. They can grow it in Perthshire, so I don't see any reason why it wouldn't grow here. Watch this space.



Just one raspberry plant escaped the clutches of the hens. It almost escaped me too, but I spied it in beside a clump of tall nettles. Gardener's perks ;)

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